Enriching betting prospects are coming up at UFC 297, with a particularly intriguing flyweight clash between Jimmy Flick and Malcolm Gordon in the early prelims to kick off the event. Scheduled for Saturday, January 20, at 6:30 PM ET in Toronto's Scotiabank Arena, Gordon emerges as a moderate favorite with a -220 moneyline.

Flick is currently on a two-fight losing skid and is now 1-2 in the UFC. His most recent defeat was a second round TKO against Alessandro Costa back at UFC on ESPN 47 in June of last year.

He has acquired 16 wins so far, with 14 coming by submission and two by decision. So far, eight of these submissions have resulted in first round finishes. As for his seven losses, six have come by knockout.

“The Brick” lands 51 percent of his strikes but just 27 percent of his takedowns. His significant strike ratio is of concern, as he lands 1.99 significant strikes and takes on 5.05. This will need to drastically change if he wants any success.

Flick lands 1.66 takedowns and 4.42 submissions per 15 minutes of fighting time. He also defends against significant strikes about 39 percent of the time, which is a huge weakness coming in.

Gordon has also lost in his last two fights and is now 2-4 in the UFC. His most recent defeat was a first round TKO against Jake Hadley back at UFC 286 in March of last year.

He has strung together 14 wins consisting of five knockouts, six submissions, and three decisions. I’m eight of his 14 wins, he has established first round finishes. He also features five of his seven losses coming by knockout.

“X” typically lands 42 percent of his strikes and 31 percent of his takedowns. He is averaging 1.93 significant strikes landed and absorbs 2.26 in return. This significant strike ratio is a big negative, but nowhere near the issues that Flick has.

Gordon is landing 1.61 takedowns and 0.81 submissions per 15 minutes of fight time. He also defends against significant strikes at 43 percent and a paltry nine percent against takedowns.

MyBookie provides betting odds for this matchup, where Malcolm Gordon holds a moderate favorite position. To optimize your chances, bettors may want to include Gordon in a parlay or seek a prop bet that aligns with their preferred betting style.

If Flick is able to land some takedowns, this fight could go in his favor. The only drawback is that Flick is having a hard time defending against aggressive strikers, while Gordon does not seem to have a strong output. 

This could be closer than the odds indicate, but look for Gordon to have a slight edge.